Kylian Mbappé finally made his mark in La Liga, scoring both goals in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu. The French superstar, who joined Los Blancos from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, had been under pressure after failing to score in his first three La Liga appearances. However, in this match, Mbappé delivered a standout performance, showcasing his talent and underlining his importance to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Mbappé’s Relentless Start to La Liga
Mbappé’s first goal was the result of relentless pressure from Real Madrid, who had struggled to convert their chances in previous matches. The breakthrough came when Federico Valverde, known for his creativity, provided a sublime backheel pass to Mbappé inside the box. The 25-year-old striker made no mistake, slotting the ball past Real Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva, igniting the home crowd.
This goal was particularly significant for Mbappé, as it marked his first in La Liga—a milestone given the high expectations surrounding his move from PSG. The relief was evident as Mbappé celebrated with his teammates, knowing he had finally made his mark in Spain’s top flight.
Mbappé Seals the Win with a Penalty
Real Madrid continued their dominance after the opening goal, with Vinicius Jr. causing havoc for the Betis defense. One of Vinicius’s surges into the penalty area led to Madrid’s second goal when he was brought down by Rui Silva, resulting in a penalty.
Mbappé stepped up to take the spot-kick and showed no signs of nerves, sending Silva the wrong way to double Madrid’s lead. This goal not only secured the win but also highlighted Mbappé’s composure and mental strength, qualities that make him one of the most feared forwards in the world. His performance demonstrated that he is ready to lead Real Madrid’s attack as they pursue another La Liga title.
Turning Frustration into Triumph
Before this match, Mbappé had experienced a frustrating start to his La Liga career. Despite having more shots than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues, the Frenchman was unable to score in his first three appearances. His goal drought had become a talking point, with some questioning whether he could replicate his PSG form in Spain.
However, Mbappé’s persistence paid off. His first goal against Betis came from his 25th shot of the season, and the penalty was his 26th. These numbers underscore Mbappé’s determination to succeed and his refusal to let early setbacks define his La Liga journey.
Reflecting on his performance, Mbappé said, “I knew the goals would come if I kept working hard and believing in myself. It’s a new league, a new challenge, but I’m here to help the team win and achieve great things.”
Ancelotti’s Praise for Mbappé
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for Mbappé after the match, emphasizing the forward’s impact on the team. “Kylian is a special player, and we knew it was only a matter of time before he started scoring. His goals today were crucial, but more importantly, he showed great character and determination,” Ancelotti said.
Ancelotti also highlighted the importance of the victory, which keeps Madrid unbeaten in La Liga, though they remain four points behind leaders Barcelona. “This win was important for us, not just because of the points but because it shows we are growing as a team. We still have a lot of work to do, but with players like Kylian, we are on the right path,” he added.
Real Betis’ Resilience Despite the Loss
While Mbappé stole the spotlight, Real Betis had their moments, especially in the first half. The visitors created a few clear chances, with Abde Ezzalzouli heading wide and Vitor Roque forcing a save from Thibaut Courtois shortly after coming off the bench.
Despite these opportunities, Betis couldn’t find the back of the net, as Madrid’s defense held firm. Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini will be disappointed with the result but can take positives from his team’s resilience. However, with only one point from their first three matches, Betis must start converting chances to avoid a difficult season.
Madrid’s Dominance and Betis’ Struggles
Real Madrid controlled much of the match, creating numerous chances and dominating possession. Mbappé had seven shots before scoring, while Eder Militao and Federico Valverde also tested Rui Silva. Vinicius Jr. nearly added a third goal for Madrid when his deflected shot hit the post.
In contrast, Betis struggled to apply consistent pressure on Madrid’s goal, with their best chances coming in the first half. As the match progressed, Madrid’s superior quality and depth became apparent, making it increasingly difficult for Betis to cope with the pace and movement of Madrid’s attackers.
The Road Ahead for Mbappé and Real Madrid
With this victory, Real Madrid remain unbeaten after four league games, though they still trail Barcelona by four points. The win boosts Mbappé’s confidence, as he is now off the mark in La Liga and ready to lead Madrid’s title charge. His performance against Betis indicates that he is settling into his new surroundings and adapting to the demands of Spanish football.
For Real Betis, the road ahead looks challenging. With only one point from their first three matches, they need to regroup and find a way to start winning if they are to avoid a season of struggle.
Conclusion: Mbappé’s Breakthrough Moment
Kylian Mbappé’s first two La Liga goals couldn’t have come at a better time for Real Madrid. His performance against Real Betis was a clear statement of intent, showing that he is ready to take on the challenge of leading one of the world’s biggest clubs. With the support of Carlo Ancelotti and his teammates, Mbappé is poised to have a significant impact on Madrid’s season.
As for Real Madrid, the victory over Betis is another step in their quest to reclaim the La Liga title. With Mbappé now firing on all cylinders, Los Blancos have every reason to be optimistic about their prospects this season. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and continue to push Barcelona at the top of the table.
